RallyNorth.net

Phillips Andover earns rivalry win over Exeter

ANDOVER — Phillips Andover may not be headed to a postseason bowl like a season ago, but the Blue Blue accomplished what mattered most.

They beat Phillips Exeter.

Phillips closed out its season in style, edging their century-old archrival 13-12 in their annual meeting on Saturday.

"This is what our season is all about, beating our rival" said Andover coach Leon Modeste. "It is always great to beat exeter. It is always a battle in such a historic rivalry, and this win is a great way to end the season."

The Big Blue took the lead in the first when receiver-turned running back Mike Panepinto (188 yards) broke free for a 24-yard touchdown run.

The Big Red responded with a score, but Phillps Andover freshman QB Travis Lane of Georgetown extended the lead to 13-12 with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Nick Forti before halftime.

Phillips Exeter's best chance to score again came late in the fourth when they advanced inside Andover territory. But Matt Wayland and John Belluche knocked down a pass on second and third down and Anthony Maxwell sacked the QB on fourth down to close out the victory.

Andover nose guard Cam Fryer was a monster with two sacks and seven tackles while Dane Wagner added 11 tackles and two sacks.

"I'm very happy with the way we finished off the year," said Modeste. "We were finally healthy and played a very good game. Now we head into the winter season."